Syrian Pound

The Syrian pound is a currency defined by prolonged monetary disruption, where pre-conflict precision contrasts with modern high-denomination inflation issues.

Quick Facts

Country: Syria

Code: SYP

Symbol: £S

System: Decimal (1 Pound = 100 Piastres)

Status: In circulation

Issuer: Central Bank of Syria

The Story of the Syrian Pound

The Syrian pound (SYP) originated during the French Mandate, replacing Ottoman monetary structures and later evolving under full national sovereignty. For decades, it functioned as a stable regional currency supported by agriculture, trade and state-controlled economic structures. However, the post-2011 conflict introduced a prolonged period of monetary fragmentation, inflation and supply constraints. The Central Bank of Syria responded with successive high-denomination issues, reflecting a system under continuous economic pressure rather than a single decisive reform event.

Design & Symbolism

Banknotes of the Syrian pound present a clear divide between pre-conflict and modern issues. Earlier series, produced by established international printers, are characterised by balanced layouts, refined intaglio engraving and architectural themes such as Damascus, Palmyra and Aleppo. More recent notes, including 2,000 and 5,000 pounds, were largely printed by Russia’s Goznak and reflect a shift toward functional high-value circulation. These issues incorporate modern security threads, latent imagery and updated layouts, though with noticeable differences in paper quality, ink density and production finish compared to earlier series.

For collectors

For collectors, Syria represents a field of "Extended Monetary Disruption." UNC pre-2011 notes are increasingly scarce, as most were absorbed into heavy circulation or lost during years of instability. Particular focus is placed on transitional issues that document the shift from stable production to inflation-driven emission. High-denomination modern notes are also collected as indicators of monetary stress. In this context, pristine examples—especially from earlier series—carry significant weight as preserved artifacts from a system that has undergone continuous economic strain.

The Syrian pound remains the official currency, circulating under conditions shaped by inflation, restricted supply and ongoing economic instability.

Explore the Syrian Pound Banknotes Collection